Ultimate Guide: El Nido Island Hopping Tours (A, B, C, D)

Ultimate Guide: El Nido Island Hopping Tours (A, B, C, D)

Are you planning to visit Palawan and want to know how to choose the best El Nido Island Hopping Tour? Palawan is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, with famous places like El Nido, Coron, and Port Barton.

There are four island hopping tours: A, B, C, and D, each with different sights.

Island Hopping Tours are the best way to explore the Philippines. You can visit the stunning lagoons, paradise islands, and white sandy beaches. Find the best island hopping tour and get fantastic experiences during your trip.

Our complete guide to El Nido Island Hopping Tours includes everything you need to know before you go.

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Everything You Need to Know about El Nido Island Hopping Tours

Bacuit Bay is home to 45 paradise islands, and you can visit the best places on El Nido tours. Island hopping tours are the best thing to do in the Philippines.

There are four El Nido Island Hopping Tours to choose from: A, B, C, and D. Each offers a different route and a wonderful experience.

Check island hopping tour prices and availability HERE.

Whichever tour you choose, you are guaranteed to have a fantastic experience, as each island hopping tour is incredible. On the El Nido tours, you can swim, kayak, snorkel in the crystal clear water, and see the towering limestone rock formations.

Scroll down for more information about which island hopping tour is the best for you, how long the boat tour takes, and how much it will cost.

Recommended post → Things to Do in El Nido

General information about El Nido Tours

• The El Nido tours are approximately 7 hours long, starting in the morning around 8:30-9 AM and finishing between 4-5 PM.
• Most boat tours offer free hotel pick-up and drop-off from El Nido Town and include a buffet lunch, drinking water, a life jacket, a snorkel mask, and a tour guide.
• Single-use plastic water bottles are not allowed on the island hopping tour!
• Depending on capacity and season, there are usually 8 to 15 or 20 people on a group boat tour.
• During the rainy season, the boat tour may be canceled due to weather or sea conditions.

The 2019 environmental rule has limited the number of tourists in El Nido’s three most visited places, the Small Lagoon, the Big Lagoon, and the Secret Beach. Nowadays, these sites cannot be visited on the same day. In addition, all tour operators must register travelers in advance.

Where to Book an El Nido Island Hopping Tour?

Honestly, there is no place in El Nido where you can’t book a tour. But be sure to check booking details, such as what the tour price includes and if there are any hidden costs.

You can check reviews online or ask the locals which is the best company to book a boat tour. Usually, all companies offer the same island hopping route, but you can choose to take a group or private tour.

We booked the El Nido Island Hopping Tour A via GetYourGuide.

El Nido Island Hopping Tour Price

The tour prices depend on which tour you choose and whether there is an extra or hidden cost.

El Nido group tours range from 1280-1630 PHP (22-28 USD) per person, while private tours start from 9600 PHP (165 USD).

Cost of El Nido Island Hopping Tours

• Not all tours include the Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF), which is 400 PHP (7 USD) and valid for 10 days. All visitors must pay this fee to visit Bacuit Bay.
• Boats are not allowed to enter the Small and Big Lagoons. Therefore, they wait nearby, and tourists can access the lagoons by kayak. You can rent a kayak for around 250-300 PHP (4.5-5 USD).
• Both lagoons have an entrance fee of 200 PHP (3.5 USD).
• You can rent snorkel gear for around 150 PHP (2.5 USD) or bring your own.

Check island hopping tour prices and availability HERE.

Good to know
Due to the new environmental policy, all combined and party boat tours are banned!

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

Tour A is one of the best and most popular island hopping tours in El Nido. On this boat tour, you can explore the beautiful lagoons and beaches, swim, snorkel, or rent a kayak.

The group tour A prices start from 1280 PHP (22 USD).

The best sights on Tour A are Big Lagoon, Corong Corong Beach, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. The entrance fee to the Big Lagoon is 200 PHP (3.5 USD).

Book your A island hopping tour HERE.

Miniloc Island is the most beautiful place in Bacuit Bay, home to the Small, Secret, and Big Lagoon. In previous years, Tour A included the Big and Small Lagoons. However, due to new rules, visiting both lagoons on the same day is no longer allowed as the number of tourists is limited.

TIP
Visit the Big Lagoon in Tour A and the Small Lagoon in Tour D, and you can rent kayaks at each lagoon.

Read our → Palawan Itinerary

El Nido Tour B

This tour also visits some beautiful places, although it is the least popular El Nido island hopping tour. However, if you’re looking for a boat trip where you have to beat smaller crowds or want to get off the beaten path, choose tour B.

The group tour B prices start from 1450 PHP (25 USD). Book your B island hopping tour HERE.

The best sights on Tour B are Snake Island, Entaula Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Popolkan Island, Cathedral Cave, and Cudugnon Cave (where Japanese soldiers hid during World War II).

Good to know
Smoking is prohibited on island hopping tours!

El Nido Island Hopping Tour C

Are you looking for a relaxing tour in El Nido? Visit beautiful white sandy beaches and enjoy snorkeling in crystal clear waters.

The group tour C prices start from 1630 PHP (28 USD).

The best sights on Tour C are Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island (Talisay Beach), Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, and Hidden Beach.

Book your C island hopping tour HERE.

El Nido Tour D

Previously, only a few people chose the D tour, but since the Small Lagoon was added to the route, it has become a popular tour.

The shared tour D prices start from 1300 PHP (23 USD).

The best sights on Tour D are Cadlao Island, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach, Nat Nat Beach, Bukal Island, and Small Lagoon. Rent a kayak, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the beautiful sights of El Nido, Palawan. The entrance fee to the Small Lagoon is 200 PHP (3.5 USD).

Book your D island hopping tour HERE.

El Nido Island Hopping Best Tour

The best island hopping tour depends on what you want to see and do or which places are on your bucket list. The most popular El Nido tours are A and C, and the least popular is B. Every El Nido tour is different and offers fantastic places to visit, so you won’t be disappointed in whichever one you choose.

Check island hopping tour prices and availability HERE.

If you have enough time, do at least two tours in El Nido. Visit the Big Lagoon in Tour A and the Small Lagoon in Tour D. If you can only do one island hopping tour, we recommend you choose Tour A. We did Tour A and had a fantastic experience.

See also → Coron Guide

Private or Group El Nido Island Hopping Tour

If you are traveling solo or on a low budget, we recommend joining a group tour to save money. Most group tours go to the same place at the same time, but with a private tour, you can take the route in the opposite direction and avoid the crowds.

Group tours range from 22-28 USD per person, while private tours start from 165 USD. We think private tours are very overpriced and not worth the money.

As some sites cannot be visited on the same day, the only advantage of a private trip is that you don’t have to share the boat with others.

El Nido to Coron Boat Expedition Tour

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience in Palawan, Philippines? You can join a 4-day, 3-night from Coron to El Nido boat expedition tour or vice versa. Explore paradise islands, visit hidden gems, and enjoy magical sunsets and delicious food.

Although there are several boat expeditions, we recommend Big Dream Boatman.

Expeditions usually cost around 600 USD. The price includes meals, beverages (including alcoholic beverages), towels, snorkeling gear, and three nights of island-style accommodations (cottages and camping).

Book your best boat expedition tour HERE.

What to Pack for El Nido Island Hopping Tours

• Sunscreen: You don’t have to worry about sun damage with this reef-friendly UVA/UVB sunscreen.
• Quick-dry towel: This microfibre quick-drying towel is ideal for traveling, hiking, swimming, bathing, and sports.
• Power bank: An essential accessory for anyone who needs reliable power on the go.
• Grayl Filtered Water Bottle: The Grayl filter removes viruses and bacteria and filters microplastics, chemicals, and heavy metals. Fill up your filtered water bottle anywhere and drink crystal-clear water wherever you go.
• Swimsuit
• Hat and sunglasses
• Waterproof bag
• Medication (seasickness or headache tablets)
• Flip-flops, Water shoes
• Extra snack
• Local money
• Camera gear
• GoPro or Waterproof phone bag
• Own snorkeling gear

What Should I Wear on the El Nido Tour

On boat tours, wear a swimsuit, light dress, and flip-flops. You can also wear sunglasses, a hat, and water shoes. The weather on the boat is usually windy, so bring a light jacket or sarong.

Use plenty of sunscreen during the trip. If you visit El Nido during the rainy season, bring a raincoat.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

Where to Stay in El Nido

There are many luxury hotels and resorts in El Nido, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in El Nido

• Luxury: El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island
• Mid-Range: Dryft Darocotan Island
• Budget: Frendz Hostel El Nido

We hope you found our guide to El Nido Island Hopping Tours useful. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go

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